Category: Minor prophets
A Wife given to adultery!
Scripture reading for September 5th: Hosea 1-3
Hosea was a unique prophet called by God to let his whole life, marriage, and his children become a prophetic word to God’s people. Hosea was told by God to marry an adulterous woman named Gomer. God’s plan was to show Israel how they behaved toward Him and give them a visual picture of His love for them. (Hosea 1:2) His children’s names also would speak to God’s people of their spiritual condition.
Hosea married Gomer and took her as his wife. She conceived and bore him a son. The Lord told Hosea to call the son “Jezreel”, because He was going to punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel and put an end to the kingdom of Israel. (Hosea 1:4) Gomer also had two daughters and they were also named by the Lord. One was Lo-Ruhamah which meant “no love left” and the other was “Lo-Ammi” which meant “not my people”. God was telling the Israelites about a coming judgment on their nation because of their adultery against Him. He wanted them to be reminded every time they saw the prophet and his family of their own state and God’s word spoken through those children’s names. (Hosea 1:4-8)
As we read this prophet’s story, we must look in our own hearts for spiritual adultery and idolatry! (Hosea 2:5-6) Have we turned away from loving God with all our hearts? Have we run after the things of this world and trusted in our own strength and abilities rather than God? Do we belong to Him alone?
As Hosea was commanded to take back his unfaithful wife and buy her back from her adulterous lovers, so God has done the same for us! (Hosea 3:1-2) Christ died to deliver us from slavery to demonstrate His love for us! (Romans 5:8) Hosea also told Gomer to leave her life of adultery and he would live with her. Today, God tells us to depart from sin and live a holy life or we won’t see the Lord! (1st Peter 1:14-15)
Jesus Christ is coming back for His Bride, the Church! She will be a glorious Bride, without spot or wrinkle, clothed in the white linen of His righteousness! Check your life today and check your robes! Your loving Husband could come today!
The Refiner’s Fire!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: Malachi 1-4
Malachi was the final voice of a prophet in the era of the Old Covenant. After him, God was silent for 400 years until John the Baptist came on the scene. Malachi was a street preacher of his day. He loved to pose questions to people on the street and then answer them. He sought to provoke God’s people to repentance and the obedience of faith.
There were several issues that Malachi hit hard in his preaching. One issue concerned the priests who were sacrificing crippled and diseased animals. God was and is holy and He demands pure sacrifices; His priests were dishonoring Him. (Malachi 1:6-14) God is a great king who is worthy of our best!
Another issue was priests who were breaking covenant vows with their wives. They were sacrificing to God on the Sabbath, but then going to idol temples and sacrificing to idols and having sex with the temple prostitutes. God was watching and angry! He warned them through Malachi that this practice defiled them and sowed violence and divorce into their homes. (Malachi 2: 11-16) This dishonored God and hindered the development of godly offspring which was God’s plan for covenant marriage.
God warned them that His people were stealing from Him. They were not giving God their tithes, bringing them under a curse. The devourer was eating their crops and taking away their sustenance. (Malachi 3:8-12) The remedy was simple: return to God by bringing Him His tithe! God told them that they could test Him in this. This is the only place in Scripture where testing God is allowed and God promised to open the windows of heaven for those who honored Him with the tithe!
God was going to send His messenger of the covenant to His temple. He would be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap, purifying the Levites. Who could stand when this “Messenger” came? Those involved in sins of adultery, perjury, sorcery, and oppression of orphans and widows would surely be in trouble! (Malachi 3:1-8) This fire would reduce those who opposed the Lord to ashes but the righteous would go free! (Malachi 4:1-3)
Malachi has a message that still rings true today. Jesus is coming! Those who believe in Him will have their works tested by fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Those who oppose Him will be eternally judged by fire! Time is running out!
King over the earth!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: Zechariah 12-14
“This is what the Lord says concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: ” I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.”” Zechariah 12:1-3a
God has some serious plans for Jerusalem and Judah. He foretold a time when all nations would be gathered against Israel and Jerusalem. They would attack but be broken, because God, Himself will be with His people. God stated through Zechariah that He would set out to destroy all nations that attack Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:9)
God was going to pour out on Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication and they would look on Jesus the one they have pierced. (Zechariah 12:10) (John 19:34-37) He promised to open up a fountain for the house of David and Jerusalem to cleanse them from sins. (Zechariah 13:1) The wounds that would cleanse them, would be received at the house of his friends! (Zechariah 13:6) The sword would strike the shepherd of the Lord and the sheep would be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7) (Matthew 26:31-32) Two thirds of them would perish but a third would call on the Lord! (Zechariah 13:8-9)
In the last days, Jerusalem would be captured, houses ransacked and women raped. Suddenly the Lord would put his feet on the Mt. of Olives and it would split in two, creating a great valley. This will create a way of escape for God’s people! (Zechariah 14:4-5) It will be a day with no daytime or night. It will be a day when living waters will flow out of Jerusalem. (Revelation 22:1-5)
“The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His name the only name.” Zechariah 14:9
Jerusalem will be lifted up and inhabited. It will be secure and never again destroyed. God’s people will be pure and secure! We have encouraging words of hope for God’s people who endure and hold fast to Him. Be sure He is King over your life for He will surely be and is “King over the earth.”
Your King Comes!
Scripture reading for October 1st: Zechariah 9-11
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Zechariah 9:9-10
Zechariah stated that the coming ruler who would be both a priest and a king. This coming one would not be a great conqueror who would ruthlessly devour the nations, instead, He would come gently, armed with righteousness and salvation. He would also be riding on the colt of a donkey. He would proclaim peace to all peoples and nations and His rule would extend to the ends of the earth! (Matthew 21:2-4)
This gentle King would also save and restore His people! Because of the blood of His covenant, He would free the prisoners! (Zechariah 9:11) Not only that, He would restore them double! The Lord would care for His flock like a shepherd and they would sparkle like jewels in a crown. (Zechariah 9:16-17)
The people of God were to ask the Lord for rain in the springtime. In response, He would raise up from Judah one who would be their cornerstone and tent peg. He would bring forth the battle bow and every ruler would come from Him. (Zechariah 10:4) This again is a reference to Jesus Christ, who came from the tribe of Judah and became the chief cornerstone of the new temple! He was a peg driven in a firm place and a mighty warrior!
When God wanted to emphasize His purpose He used “I will” statements . Included in these statements are promises to strengthen the house of Judah and have compassion on them. God promised to be their God and to hear and answer them. (Zechariah 10:6-12) He would gather them from where they were scattered and they would walk in His name!
A final reference to this king is found in Zechariah 11:12-13. Thirty pieces of silver was designated as a payment. It was to be thrown to the potter! This word was applied to Judas’ betrayal for the thirty pieces of silver! (Matthew 27:3-10) Our King is coming again! Are you ready?
A true fast!
Scripture reading for September 29th: Zechariah 7-8
“Then the word of the Lord Almighty came to me: “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?'” Zechariah 7:4-6
Many times the Lord’s children go through the motions of worship or serving the Lord. We do what is expected or required, but don’t really put our hearts into it. I have done that before with fasting. As soon as I seek to fast, my flesh acts up and distractions come faster than ever before! I have a hard time focusing for prayer and thoughts of food or irritations come to distract me. My heart isn’t in it.
God used Zechariah to preach to His people on this subject as they returned to work on the temple. You see, God did not want them just to not have food, He wanted them to administer justice and show mercy to one another. He wanted them to care for the needy and poor and help the widow and orphan. He wanted their hearts to truly love each other instead of thinking evil. (Zechariah 7:8-10) It would produce positive results and progress in godliness.
But God’s people just went through the motions. He became angry with them, and scattered them among the nations. This is why the land became desolate and rested for the seventy years. Hard hearts and disobedience had brought inevitable consequences.
But now, God was again jealous for Jerusalem! He would now show good and blessing to this city. God would gather His people again back to the land and many peoples and nations would also come and join themselves to the Jew! (Zechariah 8:15-23) Fasting has always been a way for God’s people to draw closer to Him and find their true appetites satisfied. A true fast brings cleansing to body and soul. The body cleanses itself from toxins and waste as we quit eating and drink lots of water. The soul quits focusing on bodily appetites and focuses on the Lord and His will. Toxins of the soul include bitterness, depression, apathy, unforgiveness, and injustice.Take time soon for a true fast! It will work wonders for body and soul!
The crowning of the high priest!
Scripture reading for September 28th: Zechariah 5-6
Our goal as we read the Bible should be to see Jesus Christ in every book. Zechariah, other than Isaiah, has more references to the coming of Jesus and His ministry than any other prophet. Today we have more of the eight visions that God gave Zechariah to encourage the workers who were rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem. Eight is the number of ‘new beginnings’ and these visions encouraged those working on the temple.
Zechariah had already mentioned the ‘Branch’ who was symbolized by Joshua, the High Priest. This ‘Branch’ would be fully obedient to God and take away the sins of the nation in a single day. (Zechariah 3:8-9) The High Priest symbolically did this on the Day of Atonement each year. He went behind the veil of the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of a lamb on the mercy seat. His offering of blood was for the sins of the nation. (Leviticus 16:15-17)
Zechariah saw another vision of powerful horses going throughout the earth. (Zechariah 6:1-6) One of the horses went toward the North and brought back a report of rest. Zechariah was told to take silver and gold from the returned exiles, make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the High Priest. He was to say to him: “Here is the man whose name is ‘Branch’, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the Lord. It is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne and there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:12-13)
As we reflect on this vision in light of the life and current ministry of Jesus Christ, we see that the ‘Branch’ is a picture of Jesus Christ who is both priest and king! He is our “High Priest” before God, interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) He is the “King of Kings” who is coming in power to claim His bride, the church, and punish His enemies. (Revelation 19:11-16) Jesus, our Priest and King, is praying for us today. We are watching for His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The saints will crown Him when He comes! (Revelation 4:9-11)
A burning stick, snatched from the fire!
Scripture reading for September 27th: Zechariah 3-4
God’s people and their leaders faced a task that looked impossible: the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem! God sent visions to Zechariah to bring encouragement and give them hope!
The second of eight visions pictured Joshua, the high priest, standing before the Lord, and Satan there accusing him. The Lord rebuked Satan and described Joshua as a burning stick snatched from the fire! (Zechariah 3:2; Jude 22,23) He then ordered Joshua’s filthy clothes to be removed and clothed him in clean garments. Joshua was told that if he walked in the Lord’s ways and kept His requirements, he would govern God’s house and have a place among those standing there by the throne of God.
Joshua the high priest was symbolic of things to come. God would send His servant, the Branch to remove the sin of Israel in a single day. Jesus Christ was the servant of the Lord who was sent by God. He was and is the Son of God. He fully obeyed all of God’s requirements and walked in His ways. He became sin and was made like the burning stick, under the fires of God’s judgment for us. God raised Him from the dead, snatching Him from the fire, and seated Him at His right hand! In obeying His Father, Jesus Christ removed the sin from the land and from all people in one day!
Zechariah also saw a golden lamp stand with a bowl at the top and seven lights. There were two olive trees standing on either side of the bowl. Zechariah again asked for understanding. “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6) It was not their might, power, or ability that would accomplish the task. God would bless their efforts and see it through by His Spirit!
The Church is the lamp stand and the saints are lights in the world. The Spirit is the oil that brings the energy for the light. God’s anointed leaders help with the dispensing of the anointing oil as they live by faith and do their assigned jobs! Their lives of faith reflect God’s Glory and the work goes forward! It may seem like our work is small but don’t despise it– live by faith in the power of His Spirit!
A wall of Fire!
Scripture reading for September 26th: Zechariah 1-2
God’s prophets used different styles and approaches to get the message to God’s people. The prophet Zechariah prophesied during the time of the first return to Jerusalem after captivity in Babylon. The Lord had been angry with their forefathers because they would not respond to His call for them to return to Him. For years prophets had been sent with a simple message calling for repentance from idolatry and obedience toward God. This lack of response brought the promised consequences and curses overtook them! (Deuteronomy 28:15) (Zechariah 1:6)
Zechariah was given a night vision of a man riding a red horse. This rider was followed by riders on red, brown and white horses. As he asked the Lord for understanding, an angel answered him. These horses and riders were ones that the Lord had sent throughout the whole earth and they reported back that the world was at rest and peace. The angel then turned to the Lord and asked Him a question: “How long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem?” (Zechariah 1:12-13) (Revelation 6:1-7)
The Lord answered the angel with encouraging words about Jerusalem. He was jealous for Jerusalem and would return to Jerusalem with mercy. The temple would be rebuilt and the measuring line again stretched over the city in order to build the wall of protection around it and keep it secure. Prosperity would again flow to God’s people and God would comfort them. (Zechariah 1:14-17) (Revelation 11:1-2)
In the vision four horns appeared. Zechariah was puzzled and asked their meaning. He was told they represented the nations that had lifted their power against Israel and scattered them. (Zechariah 1:18-21) They would be thrown down by spiritual forces of the Lord in the heavenly realm. A spiritual conflict would go on as the temple was rebuilt, but God’s people would succeed!
God’s people would succeed because their protection was not just physical walls! Jerusalem would be a city without walls for God would be a “wall of fire” around the city and its Glory! (Zechariah 2:4-5) This was a wonderful encouragement to those who had by faith come to rebuild the city! God further stated that His people were the “apple of His eye” and that He would deal with anyone who would oppose them!
Are you fearful today? Do you need a word of encouragement? God is your wall of fire and Glory forever!
The Desired of Nations is coming!
Scripture reading for September 26th: Haggai 1-2
Mary and I had just about gotten our children through college and the last one was ready to get married. We were enjoying our first senior pastorate in Lacey, Washington and an empty nest. On our day off, we would go antiquing and sight-seeing. Then God spoke to us through a missionary about enlarging our family by adoption. To be honest, that choice did not initially look like something we wanted to do.
Haggai was speaking to people who had chosen to come back from Babylon and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Initially, these Israelites had the right priority and obeyed the Lord. But they had drifted away from the priorities that once motivated them and began to focus on themselves. They neglected the house of the Lord! (Haggai 1:2-4)
“Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” “Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains, and bring down timber and build a house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,”says the Lord.” (Haggai 1:5-8)
Have you experienced lack of satisfaction and lack of fulfillment? It may be your priorities have lost their focus on God and His will. The Israelites had gotten their focus onto themselves and their houses and neglected God’s house! God was gently reminding them of their priorities. If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, everything we need will be added to us. If we try to grab what we need, even what we have will be lost! (Matthew 6:33)
God is once again going to shake the earth, sea, and all the nations of the earth. The ‘desired of the nations’ (Jesus Christ) is coming and will fill His house with glory! Jesus Christ did this in human form about 500 years after Haggai’s time. He will do it again during the millennial reign following the rapture of the church. “”The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the Lord Almighty. “And in this place I will grant peace,” declares the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:9)
God rejoices over you with singing!
Scripture reading for September 24th: Zephaniah 1-3
“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save, He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.“ Zephaniah 3:17
Zephaniah was a prophet around 630 B.C. during the reign of Josiah, a good king of Israel. He spoke some pretty strong words to the nation of Judah concerning the coming day of the Lord. Through Zephaniah, God warned that He would sweep everything from the face of the earth. (Zephaniah 1:2-3) That sounds like a very thorough cleaning similar to the great flood of Noah’s day!
Judah was warned that God’s hand was against those who were idolaters. Those who claimed to be Abraham’s descendants were worshiping Baal, the Canaanite fertility god. Even some of the priests of God’s house were involved. They were worshiping Molech and using astrology. (Zephaniah 1:4-5) Astrology is popular today in America. Almost every newspaper has a horoscope and many read it daily. Many follow the example of Judah in Zephaniah’s day, and turn away from following God. They are complacent or have followed gods of convenience and pleasure. (Zephaniah 1:12)
Zephaniah cried out to the people that their appointed time was coming as a day of wrath and destruction. Trouble, clouds, darkness and death were on the horizon. Their money could not save them on this day of wrath that would come at the appointed time. (Zephaniah 1:17-18)
The only remedy was to seek the Lord with humble hearts and those who responded would be sheltered by the Lord. An appetite for God must come from a heart that is humble. (Zephaniah 2:2-3) Idolatry is making a god that gives me what I want, instead of serving the God who made me to do what He wants!
We know from history that the young king, Josiah, turned to the Lord and led a revival that removed the idols and cleansed the land. He responded to this prophet’s strong preaching. When we repent, God relents! He would rather save us than judge us! He takes great delight in His people and desires to quiet us in His love. He rejoices over us with singing! Picture God spinning around in delight singing a song of joy over us! (Zephaniah 3:17) Turn to Him today before the coming “day of the Lord”.